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Monday, 26 August 2013

So the whole internet-sphere, blogosphere and social media
sphere has been awash with the confession of one Ese Walter. For those who
somehow haven’t read it yet, it’s here. This is the most recent of all the
scandals that the ‘church’ (by this I mean the entirety of Christendom not a
particular church or denomination) of recent has been plagued with and it seems
to be getting more and more common sadly.

What’s my take on the issue? I think the first question
on everybody’s mind is: Is it true? At first glance, I am inclined to believe
the lady’s story. I mean no sane human being knowing the sort of backlash that
would likely ensue especially given the society and culture and environment she
is in, knowing the condemnation sure to follow will release such a tale and go
so far as to publicly identify HERSELF even have her account publicly
accessible and her photo shared. Ese would know the names she would be called
and the curses coming her way yet she still went ahead. That alone is enough to
make me think she is telling the truth. Of course, in UK there have been cases
of women accusing men of rape and going so far as to have these men arrested
only to be proven false, so this is not conclusive enough. And let’s not forget the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s
wife’s false accusation.

Now, assuming Ese Walter is speaking the truth, the next
question is: Did she handle the issue the right way? Is publishing a story
publicly ‘naming and shaming’ (so to speak) the right thing? Before I comment
let’s see what Jesus prescribed. Matthew 18:15-17

2 2. Witnesses. Vs 16: “But if he will not hear thee,
then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three
witnesses every word may be established.”

3. Calling Out. Vs 17: “And if he shall neglect to
hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let
him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” It is worth noting
that the original Greek word used for church in this verse is ekklēsia, from a
compound of ek ex and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, that is,
(concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue,
or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): -
assembly, church. (just for the record according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary,
calling out means To cause to assemble or to challenge to a duel. In essence the entire Church (in essence the entire body of Christ is entitled to know the truth... the heads can decide whatever action to take)

If, therefore, Ese is telling the truth in her confession, I
am convinced she has gone about it the right way using Jesus’ words above.

Next question: To respond
or not? Some have said the accused should respond. Well, let’s remember the in
Bible…and in life… everyone is different. That one person responds immediately
doesn’t mean another should. I mean Jesus responded to the Pharisees a lot, and
yet when he was about to be crucified, he refused to respond to the same Pharisees
and to Pontius Pilate. Mind you, in this instance, I don’t believe he needs to
consult an oracle to know that he needs to respond if the story is false. Then
again, I am not God so…..

I think a very crucial issue for Christians is how do you as
an impartial observer respond? No, I don’t believe in the ‘Pastor X for life
propaganda and he can do no wrong and she is a sl**, she is bringing curse on herself, all those accusing are cursing themselves’ but I don’t support the ‘good
for him, ehen the truth is out, I’m not surprised, that XChurch sef’ crusaders
who seem to be almost gleeful in their response. SO what then should our
response be? The Bible says this:

Proverbs 24:17 - “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and
let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,”

Matthew 7:1 - “Judge not, that you be not judged “

1 Corinthians 13:6 - “It [love] does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”

I believe the appropriate response should be to wait for a response from the accused to be furnished in due course. If necessary all facts pro and against
should be shown. As for me, I hope it is not true, not because I worship at
COZA, I don’t, but because whether we like it or not, we are all part of the
body of Christ and when one part fails, the rest feel it. 1 Cor 12:26-27: “If
one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every
part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a
part of it.”

If it turns out to be true, I am still sad and hope that the
pastor in question gets help and settles it with God until then I don’t feel it
appropriate for him to have a leadership position in church. If proven true,
the response should be along the lines of ‘it’s sad but it is helpful that the
truth is out lest others be led astray.’

Whatever the case, I don’t believe anyone should
automatically decide to condemn a church or stop attending unless God
specifically convicts you too, after all one man does not a church make. Whatever
the truth let’s remember that the Bible says there is nothing done in secret
that will not be revealed. Until then, whatever we do, whatever church we
attend we should always make sure we cross-reference whatsoever words a pastor
speaks with the word of God. No man is above reproof and no, not one of us is
above sin; we are all guilty one way or another.

Ultimately, rather than use this as a chance to advance an
anti-church agenda or play the blame game, this should be a reminder to each of
us to look inward and ask God for the grace to keep ourselves until we are
called home. Remember 1 Cor 10:12, ' Therefore let he who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.'